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Auburn Quarterbacks: Grading Payton Thorne, Robby Ashford, and Holden Geriner vs Texas A&M

Originally posted on Auburn Tigers on SI | By Lance Dawe | Last updated 9/23/23

Auburn has a problem at quarterback.

Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne has not impressed through four games as the Tigers' primary signal-caller, leading offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery to pull him out for Robby Ashford, last year's starter.

The rotation has been clunky, with no success and a clear lack of rhythm. It feels like a tale we've been reading about Auburn forever; they can't find a solid, consistent quarterback to lead the offense.

The issue reared its ugly head once again on the road in a 27-10 loss to Texas A&M.

Here's how we grade each quarterback's performance against the Aggies.

Payton Thorne: F

6-of-12 passing, 44 yards, 0 TD/INT

11 attempts, -34 yards rushing

Thorne looked awful against the Aggies. He missed a wide open touchdown to Jay Fair on a wheel route, did not work quickly against pressure, played erratic and clearly looked rattled while he was on the field.

Auburn can't move the ball well while he is in the game, especially if he continues to struggle throwing downfield.

Robby Ashford: D+

1-of-4 passing, 4 yards, 0 TD/INT

8 attempts, 25 yards rushing

Ashford whiffed badly on a throw downfield to Jyaire Shorter after Auburn subbed Thorne out of the game, setting up what would be a long second half for the third-year QB.

Ashford is what he is at this point. He's inaccurate, inconsistent, a phenomenal runner with a need to work on awareness. Ashford hasn't been put in great situations, but if the Tigers wanted to focus on running the ball exclusively with him at the helm, there's a chance they could actually move up and down the field with some consistency.

Holden Geriner: D-

2-of-7 passing, 8 yards, 0 TD/INT

1 attempt, -3 yards rushing

Geriner didn't do anything to impress. He sailed a couple of throws, displayed some arm strength and got sacked on the final drive of the afternoon. If Freeze and Montgomery don't decide to play him for more than a drive, there's not a lot to take away here.